The Charter Revision Commission will meet early next month to decide whether to add another Town Charter amendment to the slate that likely will be presented to voters in November.

This one would limit the town manager’s ability to allot certain funding without Town Council approval.

The commission previously unanimously approved making four changes to the town’s governing document — reconfiguring the Town Council election process, removing obsolete charter language, making town constable positions appointed and postponing the date of the town attorney’s appointment — though the council declined to approve and send those recommendations to a public hearing.

The delay was prompted after council member John Sarantopoulos asked the commission to add a fifth proposed amendment, one that would require the town manager to get council approval before spending more than $2,000, though he said that figure was not set in stone.

“We’re the financial arm of this town,” Sarantopoulos said. “Anything (the town manager) commits the town to with a monetary value should go before the Town Council.”

Sarantopoulos said the impetus for his recommendation came from the resignation of former recreation director Tom Dooley in October. Sarantopoulos said Dooley’s departure included an undisclosed “severance” component that was approved by Town Manager Bruce Benway.

Council member John Hallbergh Jr., who also sits on the charter revision commission, said Sarantopoulos’ suggestion could place the council in an awkward position.

“The problem with this is it ties the town manager’s hands, micro-managing him and opening the town up to lawsuits,” Hallbergh said. “The town manager brings fiscal issues to the council already and he’s allowed to take care of these sorts of day-to-day issues as long as doesn’t overspend. That’s what we pay him for.”

Council Chairman Dennis Alemian said the existing process of allowing the town manager to deal with exiting town employees is designed to “shield the council” from personnel issues.

“It would mean a lot more executive sessions for issues dealing with personnel matters,” Alemian said. “And while I might not agree with the idea, it’s the right of any citizen or council member to petition for a charter change.”

Hallbergh said the commission at its May 6 meeting has two options: Decide whether to add another amendment, or let the draft report stand and re-send the initial recommendations to the council for approval. Once accepted, a public hearing will be set for resident comment and the proposed amendments will head to a November referendum for a vote.